Tin cans (Metal Box) undertakings review

The CMA reviewed the undertakings given by Metal Box plc on 22 February 1972, and amended on 16 October 1980 and 5 June 1992.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 14 July 2015
• Last updated: 15 October 2015 — See all updates

• Case type: Reviews of orders and undertakings
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Paper printing and packaging
• Opened: 14 July 2015
• Closed: 15 October 2015

Case timetable

Date	Action
15 October 2015	Final decision published
23 September to 6 October 2015	Consultation on provisional decision
23 September 2015	Publish provisional decision
August to September 2015	Consideration and analysis of written submissions and other evidence
14 August 2015	Closing date for invitation to comment

• This is published in line with the guidance on the CMA’s approach to the variation and termination of merger monopoly and market undertakings and orders (CMA 11). Any revisions made to the timetable will be published on this website.

Final decision

15 October 2015: Following consultation, the CMA has decided that Crown UK Packaging plc (the successor to Metal Box plc) should be released from their undertakings.

• Final decision (15.10.15)
• Press release: CMA presses on with remedies removal (15.10.15)

Provisional decision

23 September 2015: The CMA has reached its provisional decision in relation to the undertakings given by Metal Box plc on 22 February 1972, and amended on 16 October 1980 and 5 June 1992.

• Provisional decision (23.9.15)
• Press release: CMA continues remedies pruning (23.9.15)

Our provisional conclusion is that there have been material changes of circumstances relevant to the undertakings due to major developments in the supply of tin cans and metal packaging, and therefore in the conditions of the supply of the products referred to in the undertakings. We have further provisionally concluded that the undertakings are no longer appropriate and, consequently, the CMA’s provisional decision is that Crown UK Packaging plc (the successor to Metal Box plc, and to whom the undertakings are now attached) should be released from these undertakings.

Decision to undertake review

The CMA has decided to conduct a review of whether the undertakings given by Metal Box plc on 22 February 1972, and amended on 16 October 1980 and 5 June 1992, are no longer appropriate due to a material change of circumstances having occurred and need to be varied, superseded or removed.

For more information please see:

• Tin Cans (Metal Box plc) undertakings decision (14.7.15)
• Press release: CMA launches reviews of old market remedies (14.7.15)

Published 14 July 2015
Last updated 15 October 2015 + show all updates

1. 15 October 2015

   Final decision published.

2. 14 July 2015

   First published.